Belize signs copyright law
It had taken so long, that many people on both sides of the issue thought that the day when Belize would have a copyright law would never come. Today, almost seven months after the date mandated by the World Trade Organisation, that day finally arrived. Attorney General Godfrey Smith accompanied by the Governor General, told a small gathering of media practitioners and artists that Belize had no reason to fear any changes that the legislation would bring.
Godfrey Smith, Attorney General
“The signing of this commencement order ladies and gentlemen, does not mean the beginning of the end to cable television in Belize. It does mean that the government and cable operators and other stakeholders will have to be united, organised and work together in negotiations with international copyright holders, with a view to securing the most favourable terms for cable operators in Belize. We are as a government committed to ensuring that our people have access to the benefits of cable television. But we are also committed to the development of Belize’s multi-ethnic culture through the development of songs, plays, literary writings and other works of art. The government is committed to the protection of the rights of Belizean authors, musicians and other artists in the exploitation of their works, so that they too could derive equitable economic renumeration for their work. This balance must at all times be maintained.”
While the implications of copyright for television broadcasters dominated the headlines, the most immediate effect of the new legislation will be felt by artists and musicians who now have a shield to protect their work. Jason Guerrero, music coordinator at the House of Culture, has been a longtime advocate for copyright.
Jason Guerrero, Music Coordinator, House of Culture
“It’s a great day for all artists and everyone who owns intellectual properties. I think that the passage of the copyright bill means now that we can finally be respected for our creativity, our intellectual properties. What has happened in the past is that music outlet have been very irresponsible in the way that they copy our materials and reproduce them without permission, without licensing from the artist. So finally with the passage of the copyright, these things will have to be adhered to.”
Under the legislation, collective societies will still have to be formed under which artists, particularly musicians, can jointly administer their rights and collect fees from those who use their work. In the television industry, it is believed that cable operators and broadcasters will gradually begin to negotiate agreements with some copyright holders. In the long run, this should result in higher cable prices and more limited range of choices. Belize was the last nation in CARICOM to enact WTO approved copyright legislation.
